Lesson 14: SOFTWARE AS AN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE

  The computer hardware can hardly be useful without the program or system that tells what the computer machine should do. And this is also called the software. There are two kinds of software: the system software and the application software. Microsoft windows are an operating environment between the user and the computer operating system. The user can work with on-screen pictures (icons) and suggestions (menus) to arrive at the desk software. Windows is a self-contained operating system which provides; user convenience, new look, information center, plug and play.  Instructional software can be visited on the Internet or can be bought from software shop or dealers. CBI or computer-based instructional is used by schools as a resource collection but this software need much improvement while web-based educational resources are either extremely good or a complete garbage.

For evaluating computer-based educational materials these guidelines may be helpful:
-          Extremely cautious in using CBI’s and “free” Internet materials

-          Don’t get by attractive graphics, sound and animation

-          Evaluate these resources using sound pedagogical principles

-          Observe clarity in the explanation and illustrations of concepts  and principles

-          Maintain accuracy, coherence, logic of information

-          Observed absence of biased materials


Reflection:
   Computer is hardware and it can be only useful if it has software that functioning accurately. Depending on its task, the software of the computer may differ either it is system software or application software. In application software there are two kinds, first is custom software which is made for specific task and second commercial software which package in buying a computer. In choosing computer software we must be wise and extremely cautious so that we can chose software which is accurate and useful for our work or task.

Application:
    as the year passes by I know that this will be a great help in our future career teachers. So my knowledge about these two will be applied in order for me to cater the needs of 21st digital-based learners, as a globally competitive teacher I need to cope up with the demand of the education system and learning EdTech is one tool that would navigate me into success.